Alex Carpenter’s 19-game point streak is hard to ignore. So is the 17-game unbeaten streak of the Boston College women’s ice hockey team. But the sophomore forward and her teammates must force themselves to focus only on each game as it comes, which can be a challenge during such a successful time. This weekend, the No. 2/3-ranked Eagles travel to Pennsylvania for a series against No. 8/7 Mercyhurst. Conte Confidential talked to Carpenter about the upcoming series, the team’s overtime victory over No. 4 Cornell and her excitement for the end of the NHL lockout.

1) In the midst of the team’s current unbeaten streak, do you and your teammates ever think or talk about it before you step on the ice? [BC’s win streak is at 12 games.]

I can’t lie and say that we have never talked about it before. But before we step on the ice it is never mentioned because we know that we have a game to worry about and not any streaks. Of course, it is nice but we are only focused on each game as is comes.

2) What about your current individual point streak? Is that ever on your mind? [With two assists against Cornell, Carpenter tied Kelli Stack’s BC record for most consecutive games with a point. She could break the record against Mercyhurst.]

I have to say that I have thought about it here and there but it is not something that is continuously on my mind. Yeah, sure it is great, but what is more important to me is our team and how we are doing collectively. For me, personal merits mean so much less than the general well being of the team.

3) How did it feel to beat Cornell in overtime after trading goals throughout such a close game?

I would have to say that the Cornell game was one of the most exciting games we have played so far this year. Playing a highly-skilled team like them was great for us, and the OT win really showed the character of our team and how we can play with any team for 60 plus minutes.

Carpenter is currently second on the team in goals with 16 and points with 38 (photo credit: Duncan Walker)

4) What are your thoughts about this weekend’s series against Mercyhurst? Are there any aspects of the game that you and your teammates have been focusing on improving at this point in the season?

We are excited to play another top-ten team, and I think it will be another good test for us. We are always looking to get better and have been focusing on the little things like burying loose pucks, defensive-zone coverage and quick transitions.

5) How are you going to pass the travel time during the trip to Pennsylvania?

I should say homework, but most people will be watching movies, just hanging out and talking. Most likely many people will probably be sleeping on the plane/bus rides.

6) Did you feel differently coming into this season as a returning player than you did entering last year as a freshman?

It was definitely a big change coming back as a returning player mainly because there are more expectations as you get older. You know the systems and plays and are expected to continue doing those while also continuing to get better every day. It is definitely more pressure and responsibility but I think that comes with having more experience and knowing how the team works already.

(photo credit: Duncan Walker)

7) After having a big rookie season yourself, leading the team in points and goals, what do you think of this year’s freshman standout, Haley Skarupa?

I think that it is great that such young talent can help lead a team. I have known Haley for a few years now and know how great of player she is and I’m excited with what we have been doing and can continue to do playing on a line along with Melissa Bizzari.

8) You and your teammates have kept opponents’ scoring to a minimum so far this season, with multiple shutouts, one and two-goal games. How has the goaltending contributed to these results? The defense?

Our goaltending has been incredible. Corinne Boyles has done a great job keeping our goals against to a minimum, and she has especially done a great job coming up with the big save and little things like that really give our defense and forwards a boost. Our defense has continuously gotten strong as we continue to work on our defensive zone coverage. But overall between our goaltending and defense, I think we have done a solid job keeping our opponents scoring to a minimum.

9) What’s your favorite pregame meal?

My favorite pregame meal would have to be a turkey sandwich with American cheese, tomato and lettuce with a banana and peanut butter on the side.

10) Did you play any pond or outdoor hockey over winter break? If so, where?

I actually did not get to play any pond hockey over our short break. One of our last team practices, though, we did get to practice outside though which was a really great team occasion.

11) Will you be watching as the NHL returns this weekend? Do you support a specific team?

All of us are beyond excited for the NHL to be back. There might be a little fighting going on as everyone has their favorites, but I have no doubt the Toronto Maple Leafs will win their opener.